OCEAN RIVER ADVENTURES

SURF SKI CLINIC (3 hours) fast! Join Bob Putnam for this signature clinic on a surf ski like a pro. Surf skis are long, narrow, and very fast sit-on-top used to catch rides on waves, race, or paddle for fitness. Modern surf skis are becoming more user-friendly due to more stable designs. This session will teach you techniques for paddling a surf ski and fine-tune your forward stroke to enable you to paddle further, faster, and with less effort. This session will also discuss wing , which provide increased efficiency in your forward stroke. This is a popular course for recreational and fitness paddlers, but is also a great course for racers looking for a competitive edge. Itinerary Meet your instructor(s) and other participants at Ocean River Sports, 1824 Store Street, Victoria, BC. Please arrive early for your program to allow yourself enough time to change into your paddling clothing and unload your . If you are driving, there is pay parking available directly across the street from Ocean River Sports or in other pay parking lots in the downtown area. You are responsible for payment of the parking fee. If you are parking a vehicle, we cannot be responsible for damage to or loss of your personal items, so please don’t leave valuables locked in your vehicle. If you are bringing your own kayak, you can drive around behind Ocean River Sports to drop off your kayak, then carry it down the ramp to the dock. Access is available through a lane two buildings north of Ocean River Sports. Please note there is no public parking available behind Ocean River Sports. Please assemble at our docks by 9:30 am ready to ‘get on the water.’

Ocean River Adventures What You Will Experience For your safety and enjoyment, we ensure that groups with more than 5 participants are led by two experienced instructors. Our minimum group size is 3 participants and 1 instructor; our maximum group size is 10 participants and 2 instructors. During this course, you will learn the advantages of various paddle designs. You will learn proper body position and movement for more efficient forward paddling, including a solid ‘catch,’ efficient shaft and blade angle, full torso rotation, and leg drive. You will apply these techniques during an on-water, practical session. You will gain a greater understanding of basic stroke fundamentals, and you will develop techniques for stroke improvement. Equipment List Kayak and Paddling Gear You will need a surf ski** and paddling gear for your program. If you don’t currently own a surf ski, contact us.

• Surf ski. • Wing paddle. • PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Canadian Coast Guard approved. **Olympic-style kayaks with bulkheads or flotation bags are permitted on this clinic. What You Provide for Your Program Overview Please read the following equipment list carefully, as it indicates what you will need to bring with you on the program. Please avoid wearing cotton clothing as it keeps you cold when it’s wet, and takes a long time to dry. Please wear clothing designed for outdoor wear and made from Merino (wool), silk, or synthetic materials, such as Capilene™, polyester, polypropylene, or nylon. *indicates optional item. Personal Gear • Eyeglass retainer strap if you wear glasses. • If you wear glasses or contacts, please bring an extra set in case of loss; also, don't forget contact lens solution and a carrying case for your contacts or glasses.

• Sunglasses. Include a strap to secure them. • Sunscreen: waterproof, sweat-proof, SPF 30 or higher. • Lip sunblock. • *Thermos with a warm drink. • *Extra car keys in case you lose yours. Clothing • Comfortable, low healed shoes such as sport sandals or running shoes (we launch from a dock, so your feet should stay dry).

• Comfortable paddling pants and/or shorts, such as neoprene; or wetsuit or drysuit. If you don’t own a wetsuit or drysuit, we have some that you can borrow.

Ocean River Adventures 2 • Long-sleeved, non-cotton shirt or long underwear top. • Warm fleece pullover or Merino (wool) sweater to keep you warm in cooler weather. • Hat for sun, rain, or warmth, depending on the weather. A broad-brimmed hat works best. • For your hands, you may wish to wear cycling-type gloves to help prevent blistering. These should be snug-fitting, as loose-filling gloves may actually cause blistering. To keep your hands warm in cooler weather, you may wish to wear wool gloves inside dishwashing gloves, or purchase neo- prene gloves or pogies (a special paddling mitt).

• Extra gloves (wool or fleece) to wear after paddling. • Paddling jacket or windbreaker (e.g., nylon jacket that can shed the wind). • Rain jacket (with a hood, if you don't have a broad-brimmed rain hat) that you can paddle in, in case it’s raining. Gore-tex™ or other breathable material works well.

• A change of warm clothes for after paddling. Food and Water • Water bottle (filled): large enough to hold about 1 liter or 1 quart of water so you can keep yourself well-hydrated.

• Snack(s). Preparing for Your Program requires some upper body strength and endurance. If you are lacking this, it is rarely a problem as we don’t paddle huge distances, and usually folks get by quite well with only occasional minor muscle aches. However, if you feel you could use some upper body conditioning before your trip, exercising with light weights can be quite helpful. Concentrate mainly on shoulder strengthen- ing exercises, focusing on endurance rather than strength. Medications Please be sure to let us know of any limitations of which we should be aware. Please duplicate and separate the quantities of any medications you will need during your program, and give your dupli- cated medications to your instructor, who will carry them. This will provide an additional source of medications should the primary set become wet, damaged, or lost. If you are prone to any health disturbances, e.g., easily infected cuts or severe migraines, please remember to bring any preven- tive medications. If you have any questions about medications, contact your doctor. Contact Us Ocean River Sports 1824 Store Street Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8T 4R4 Toll Free: 1-800-909-4233 Phone: (250) 381-4233 Fax: (250) 361-3536 [email protected] www.oceanriveradventures.com

Ocean River Adventures 3